For many, the springtime marks a time of renewal; trees start budding, flowers begin blooming, and animals break from hibernation. As days get longer and warmer, individuals may feel overjoyed and excited considering all of the new opportunities and activities that springtime often brings. For those in recovery from addiction, however, springtime can also be nerve-wracking. Those working to sustain their sobriety in both early and long-term recovery may find that springtime can present new opportunities for temptation and relapse. By addressing all of the ways that springtime can help recovery, individuals can focus their attention and energy on how to protect and strengthen their recovery efforts during this new season.
At Renaissance Ranch, we know that every turn of a season can be inspiring yet also daunting. This is especially true for those who have not yet participated in a professional treatment program. Without professional treatment, springtime temptations can halt recovery progress and make individuals more likely to reengage in substance abuse. Nevertheless, those who have completed treatment and are working to maintain sobriety can also experience these temptations, which is why it is so crucial to stay connected with continuing treatment resources. Fortunately, we offer a wide range of resources for men seeking to further their stability in sobriety during springtime and through all other seasons.
Moreover, here are four ways that springtime can help recovery progress:
#1. Springtime Can Help Increase Outdoor Healing Opportunities
One of the ways that springtime can help individuals in recovery is by providing warmer weather, thus increasing opportunities for outdoor healing. As highlighted by Frontiers in Psychology, exposure to natural environments, specifically to green spaces, is associated with lower levels of stress alongside reduced symptomatology for depression and anxiety. Additionally, SSM Population Health notes the benefits of specific nature-based interventions. For instance, a review of the impact of gardens and gardening on health found that viewing gardens, gardening, and similar therapeutic activities were associated with improved well-being, reduced social isolation, and increased physical activity, among other health benefits.
Meanwhile, longer days mean more opportunities for spending time outdoors and interacting with the healing power of nature. During springtime, individuals in recovery may feel empowered to take on a new outdoor hobby, such as hiking, kayaking, biking, and more. Additionally, choosing to lean into the beauty of the outdoors during times of intense cravings or triggers can pose healthy distractions and intentional mindfulness opportunities, which all work to protect and enhance sobriety.
#2. Springtime Can Help Provide More Sunlight & Energy
In addition to increased opportunities for outdoor healing, springtime can also help recovery by providing more sunlight and energy. As explained in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP), “The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure.” Meanwhile, vitamin D is essential to health as it helps restore and maintain calcium in bones and works to optimize muscle strength and performance.
Exposure to sunlight is also associated with increased serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating and boosting mood. In this way, springtime sunlight can improve mood, increasing overall happiness and well-being. Similarly, springtime can also help to regulate melatonin along with the body’s circadian rhythm (responsible for promoting sound sleep), when the sun sets on longer days. Overall, these effects of spring can enhance energy and motivation, critical for sustaining sobriety during long-term recovery.
#3. Springtime Can Enhance Personal Reflection on Recovery Progress
As springtime often symbolizes a time of rebirth, the turn of this season can enhance personal reflection on recovery progress. Individuals in recovery may discover that the calmness and brightness of springtime can motivate them to look back on their recovery efforts and celebrate how far they have come in their sobriety journey. Taking the time to mindfully reflect on recovery is essential as it helps individuals revisit their reasons for choosing sobriety and recovery while also remembering what circumstances played a role in their decision to embark on this healing journey.
#4. Springtime Can Motivate Spring Cleaning Refresh
Finally, springtime can also help recovery by motivating a spring cleaning refresh. This season often reminds individuals of the freedom that they have to live a life that aligns with their values and purpose. Likewise, springtime can help individuals let go of all of the things, objects, and circumstances that are not conducive to their sobriety and healing.
Although spring cleaning can be agonizing to some, reframing it as a chance to truly reevaluate one’s life and recovery can encourage a different and helpful perspective. Perhaps there is a friendship being held onto that is bringing more negativity and pessimism into one’s life than what is warranted or wanted. The springtime may provide an opportunity to create distance and focus one’s attention on other people or things that are valuable to their healing.
Leaning Into Recovery With Renaissance Ranch This Spring
At Renaissance Ranch, we are a full-service, full continuum of care treatment facility for substance abuse and mental health for adult men. Whether an individual is considering entering treatment or needs support in sustaining sobriety long-term, we have the peer and professional support that they need to make the best decision for themselves and their goals this spring. Let us guide you as you blossom into the person you were meant to be.
Springtime provides an array of opportunities to enhance the addiction treatment and recovery journey. Longer days and warmer weather allow for greater outdoor healing opportunities and hobbies, from hiking and kayaking to mere exposure to mindful green spaces. Meanwhile, springtime also provides greater sunlight, helping to restore energy and motivation for recovery progress. Using spring to reflect on the journey and foster a spring cleaning refresh can also help protect and sustain healing. At Renaissance Ranch, we have a plethora of treatment options and continuing care activities to help men sustain sobriety during each turn of the season. To learn more about our treatment options or Band of Brothers alumni program, call us at (801) 308-8898 today.